With the regular season run and done, there are currently 10 playing lists kicking back on a banana lounge somewhere.
Following this weekend's pair of elimination finals, they are set to be joined by a further two teams.
Although these players are enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation, the same cannot be said for their club's list management teams.
In an off-season that looks set to bring forth cuts to the salary cap and list sizes, as well as an obvious ambiguity surrounding this year's draft class, said surveyors of talent have their work cut out for them.
These three pitfalls may lead clubs toward identifying and selecting known talent rather than hypothesising over the ceilings of untested teenagers.
Should this be the case, the collection of names on this list are almost certainly on the whiteboards of list management war rooms the nation over.
Below we have predicted the landing spots for 10 of the biggest out-of-contract stars.
4. Adam Saad
Status โ Non-Free Agent
Verdict โ Signs with Carlton or Melbourne
Having followed the ball across the net on this story for a fortnight now, our necks are mighty sore.
Will the bearded Bomber stay or will he go? It seems to be the $600,000 question.
It has been stated publicly that Saad is not only seeking fair compensation for his services, but that he is also desperate to join a successful team.
Now I know what you're saying, since when were the Demons or Blues successful? I hear you, but it all comes down to what Saad is seeing.
Due to the half back flanker lacking free agent status, either Melbourne or Carlton will have to part ways with some picks, players or both to secure the Coburg product.
Should Adam Saad be as high on Carlton's off-season acquisition list as Zac Williams? pic.twitter.com/zkohTFVSn3
— Telstra AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) September 21, 2020
Both Victorian clubs are desperate for an injection of speed into their roster. Both are also desperate to add class to their front line of defense.
Sure, you can say we're sitting on the fence with our verdict, but we believe that Saad's new home will be the one offering the juiciest financial bone.